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Young people heckle National Day of Mourning

A National Day of Mourning ceremony outside the Sault Ste. Marie Steelworkers Hall was heckled by at least three groups of young people late this morning.
NationalDayOfMourning

A National Day of Mourning ceremony outside the Sault Ste. Marie Steelworkers Hall was heckled by at least three groups of young people late this morning.

SooToday News witnessed at least three separate groups, all appearing to be of high school age, loudly heckling the solemn observance intended to commemorate workers killed or injured on the job.

Some individuals in the heckling groups were wearing school uniforms including tartan skirts.

The three groups proceeded down Dennis Street around 11:30 a.m. on their way to Station Mall.

What the hecklers saw

The following photographs were taken near Dennis Street, from viewpoints similar to what the hecklers would have seen as they passed by.

Day of Mourning #1 Day of Mourning #2

Algoma Steel president attends

Speakers at today's Day of Mourning ceremony included Algoma Steel President and Chief Executive Officer Denis Turcotte, shown in our photo with Dan Lewis, president of the Sault Ste. Marie and District Labour Council.

The following are Turcotte's speaking notes:

**************************************************************** Thank you for the opportunity to say a few words.

The Day of Mourning is an opportunity to recognize employees that have been injured or deceased in the workplace.

It's important to take this time, in particular, given the effort and commitment made by our people, to renew our personal commitment.

Employees run the many businesses that are critical to driving the economy and hence are responsible for creating benefits and improved quality of life for all Canadians.

For this, as well as basic moral reasons, it's important that all companies and their employees remain committed and focused on ensuring a safe and healthy environment to ensure that we continue to work towards achieving zero injuries in the workplace.

When looking around the steel industry, the employees at AIgoma have a lot to be proud of.

Through constant change, Algoma's safety record is second to few and keeps improving.

By our results, it's clear that our people believe safely is the only way to work!

Over the weeks and months ahead, Algoma must continue to change how it does business to be successful.

During change, it's even more important that every employee stay focused on their work to ensure safety is first and foremost in everyone's mind.

In addition, AIgoma is proud to be involved in Sault Ste. Marie's Safe Communities Partnership and congratulates the Partnership in its quest to achieve recognition by the World Health Organization as a Safe Community.

Although this day is set aside to mourn those that have been injured or deceased in the workplace, the employees of AIgoma and the Steelworkers as an organization should take pride in their contributions to a safe workplace.

****************************************************************


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David Helwig

About the Author: David Helwig

David Helwig's journalism career spans seven decades beginning in the 1960s. His work has been recognized with national and international awards.
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